Lecture_2_-_Construction_Managment__1_

Lecture Overview

Institution: George Brown College

Subject: Construction Management Lecture 2

Course Topics

• Overview of the Construction Industry: Examines the size, scope, and critical components that shape the construction landscape.

• Construction Management: Addresses principles and practices necessary for effectively managing construction projects.

• Organizing Construction Projects: Discusses methodologies for project organization, including team dynamics and communication strategies.

• Project Delivery Methods: Explores various methods such as Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and Construction Management at Risk, highlighting advantages and disadvantages.

• Project Phases: Outlines phases from initial conception through project closeout, including design, pre-construction, construction, and post-construction.

• Construction Services: Reviews the types of services provided in the construction field, including general contracting, consulting, and specialized services.

• Construction Procurement: Details the procurement process including sourcing materials, hiring subcontractors, and negotiating contracts, to ensure project success.

• Economy of the Construction Industry: Analyzes economic factors affecting the industry, including labor costs, materials pricing, and market demand fluctuations.

• Emerging Trends and the Construction Industry: Investigates new technologies, innovative practices, and sustainability efforts that are reshaping the industry.

• Sustainability and the Construction Industry: Discusses the importance of sustainable practices in construction, focusing on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs.

• Health and Safety in the Construction Industry: Emphasizes the essential health and safety regulations that protect workers on-site, including OSHA standards and site-specific safety plans.

Learning Objectives

1. Differentiate between roles and responsibilities of key construction participants: Understand the specific functions of each role within the construction team.

2. Characterize labor division within designer organizations: Analyze how tasks are allocated among design professionals and the impact on project efficiency.

3. Characterize labor division within construction organizations: Identify the specific roles within construction firms and how they collaborate.

4. Recognize common categories of construction labor: Define various labor categories such as skilled, unskilled, and specialty labor and their significance to project success.

5. Outline requirements for professional registration and certification: Provide an overview of the necessary credentials and certifications for construction professionals, including relevant organizations and exams.

Definition of Construction Management

Quote from Charles Patrick: "CM entails the planning, scheduling, evaluation, and controlling of construction tasks or activities..."

• Not a Specific Activity: Construction Management (CM) is a multifaceted discipline that involves a range of tasks managed by a dedicated team of professionals working towards common project goals.

Types of Construction Management

• Provided by General Contractor: Focus on internal management of project risks as part of the construction contract, ensuring quality and progress meets client expectations.

• Provided to Owners by Management Firms: Aimed at assisting owners in project management, separate from construction services, providing oversight and strategic direction during the construction process.

Unique Nature of Construction Projects

• Uniqueness: Each construction project is a unique prototype, with no prior test runs, which presents challenges in planning and execution.

• Factors to Control for Success:

  • Cost: Ensure project stays within budget, including managing unforeseen expenses.

  • Time: Adhere to schedules to ensure all phases of construction are completed in a timely manner.

  • Quality: Maintain high construction standards throughout the project lifecycle.

  • Safety: Implement rigorous safety protocols to protect workers and the public.

  • Scope: Define and control project scope to prevent scope creep.

  • Function: Ensure the constructed facility meets the intended functional requirements.

Project Participants

Key Roles:

• Constructor: Implement the construction process and manage on-site execution.

• Designers: Responsible for the architectural and engineering designs that guide project construction.

• Construction Owners: Individuals or entities funding the construction project and responsible for project oversight.

• General professionals: Inclusive of design managers, contractors, and other essential roles.

• Specialty professionals: Such as insurance agents, quality inspectors, and legal advisors who provide specialized knowledge.

• Suppliers, Surveyors, Lawyers: Play critical roles in the overall project from procurement to compliance.

• Government Entities: Involved in ensuring projects adhere to regulations and codes through various project phases.

• The General Public: May influence projects through political, social, or economic channels.

Owners

Types of Owners:

• Public Owners: Projects funded by taxpayer dollars, usually involving bureaucracies and stringent regulations.

• Private Owners: Includes individual or corporate stakeholders, affording them more flexibility in project organization and execution.

Owner Responsibilities

• Define budget and project scope: Establish financial parameters and project goals.

• Select designer/builder team: Choose qualified professionals to lead the project.

• Determine delivery method: Decide on the most appropriate project delivery method tailored to project needs.

Design Professionals

• Architects: Lead vertical constructions, transforming owner requirements into detailed graphic presentations.

• Engineers: Specialize in horizontal constructions and coordinate various engineered systems integral to project functionality.

Constructor Roles

• Definition: Encompasses both construction managers and general contractors, who are responsible for implementing construction methods effectively and efficiently.

• Certification Process: Two-step process through recognized bodies like AIC and CMAA, necessitating documented experience and successful completion of specialized examinations.

Required Expertise for Constructors

Skills necessary for effective construction management include:

• Scheduling and project timeline management.

• Building knowledge to understand construction techniques.

• Conflict resolution to address and manage disputes.

• Contracts understanding for effective legal compliance and negotiation.

• Legal knowledge related to building codes and regulations.

• Estimating and forecasting project costs and required resources.

• Cash management to ensure liquidity throughout the project lifecycle.

Specialty Contractors

Often referred to as subcontractors, these professionals are retained for specialized tasks (e.g., plumbing, electrical work). The increasing complexity of projects necessitates robust coordination among various specialty contractors.

The Trades

• Definition: The trades include skilled labor responsible for the physical construction of projects; however, the industry currently faces challenges due to a declining number of younger entrants.

• Examples of trades: Common trades encompass plumbers, electricians, pipe fitters, and roofers, all of whom are essential to various construction tasks.

Material and Equipment Suppliers

• Material Suppliers: Collaborate with industry partners to establish product standards and ensure quality control.

• Equipment Suppliers: Provide necessary construction tools and machinery, noting that equipment is typically not part of the final project.

Company Roles

• Design Firms: Incorporate roles such as Project Managers, Clerks of the Works, and Job Captains to ensure proper oversight of design processes.

• Construction Firms: Include roles like Project Managers, Superintendents, and Field Engineers who are vital for successful project execution.

Sample Job Descriptions**

• Field Engineer: Works under the Superintendent; responsible for project layout, safety regulations, and onsite problem-solving.

• Office Engineer: Assists the Project Engineer with procurement of materials and submittal processing, ensuring documentation is accurate and timely.

• Quantity Surveyor: Collaborates with the Senior Estimator to evaluate material quantities, contributing to cost estimation and budgeting.

• Project Engineer: Manages project schedules, oversees bids, and handles billing processes to ensure financial viability.

• Project Superintendent: Plays a leadership role in coordinating daily activities on the construction site, maintaining schedules and safety practices.

• Project Manager: Maintains oversight to ensure project completion aligns with safety protocols and budget constraints.

• Estimator: Specializes in cost estimation and bidding processes, determining financial feasibility.

• Chief Estimator: Supervises estimators and analyzes prospective projects for profitability and risk.

Common Roles Across Firms

Both design and construction firms employ various roles such as marketing managers, accountants, HR personnel, and CAD/BIM coordinators, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary teams in achieving project objectives.